5.5-magnitude quake hits India's northern state

A moderate earthquake hit India's northern state of Uttarakhand on Wednesday, officials said.

[Photo: China Earthquake Administration]

According to the Indian Meteorological Department, the earthquake of 5.5 magnitude occurred at 8:49 p.m. (local time).

"The epicentre of earthquake was Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand located at 30.4 degrees north latitude and 79.1 degrees east longitude," the information released by the Indian Meteorological Department said. "The depth of the earthquake was 30 km."

[Photo: People's Daily]

The earthquake was felt in the entire state. Reports said panic-stricken people rushed out of their houses and buildings to gather in open streets.

The tremors were felt in Indian capital city New Delhi and neighboring states.

"I came out of the house after I realized everything is trembling," Atul Kumar, a local resident in New Delhi's Green Park told Xinhua.

So far there were no reports of any damage or loss of lives in the earthquake.